Garbage, overflowing drains plague Sector I-12

Islamabad: The failure of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to remove decades-old garbage from Sector I-12 is now becoming a serious environmental and health crisis, particularly in light of the ongoing monsoon rains.

Sector I-12 was once a garbage dumping site for more than 30 years and is still laden with tons of waste, which remains scattered across the sector posing a growing threat to future residents and the environment.

The recent heavy monsoon showers have turned the area into a swamp of waste, spreading pollutants into the soil and raising fears of groundwater contamination.

Kashif Iftikhar, an allottee of sector I-12 said: “The ongoing rains are causing the toxic waste to seep deeper into the ground. This is not just garbage anymore, its poison being absorbed into the underground water that future residents might unknowingly drink. The consequences could be devastating.”

Arshad Wani, an environmental expert, warned that the rainwater mixing with decomposing waste accelerates the release of harmful leachate, a toxic liquid that can contaminate groundwater, rivers, and surrounding land.

He said with hundreds of future homes planned in this sector, the public health risks were alarming.

“Residents could face exposure to waterborne diseases, respiratory issues from foul air, and long-term ecological damage."

Muhammad Masood Ilyas, another allottee, said: “CDA is not only putting the health of future residents at risk but also endangering the future of the entire sector. Who would want to invest in a place surrounded by stinking garbage, overflowing drains, and polluted groundwater?"

He added that many allottees were considering moving to safer areas to build their homes because of this alarming situation.

“Piles of waste remain exposed, releasing noxious odors and attracting disease-spreading pests. This is a matter of public health and human dignity,” he said.

Muhammad Tabraiz said the CDA must immediately act by removing the garbage properly and treating the land before any further development otherwise, the sector would become a ticking time bomb of pollution.